16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM TO END GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Preparations for Dundee’s response to one of the world’s biggest campaigns on violence against women and girls are in full swing, with people from all walks of life being encouraged to take part including you – our workforce! From November 25 to December 10 each year the United Nations runs its global campaign, which this year in Dundee will see opportunities to show solidarity through creating, dancing, marching and lighting up.

It feels like we are at a critical moment when the focus on the perpetrators, systems and cultural norms which enable violence against women has never been more intense. High-profile tragedies, increases in domestic and sexual violence during the pandemic and a growing sense of anger and injustice combine to make this a point in time when we can harness that energy and work to end violence against women once and for all.

An amazing group of people have put a considerable amount of effort into this year’s programme in Dundee and I would like to encourage as many people as possible to take part and show their support. We have seen engagement in the planning process from a huge range of people/sectors and services including those who haven’t been involved before. We have particularly noticed a significant increase in young people’s engagement with these issues as well as men actively seeking to join us in our conversations and work. This has been so welcome and we want to keep that momentum going.

For you, as professionals, there will be a series of discussion forums, training events and a VAW and Trauma Summit taking place (programme to follow) but I would also ask you to spread the word and engage with the public programme as much as possible.

To launch this year’s activism a march to reclaim the night will take place on November 25 led by WRASAC with participants from other women’s organisation. Preparations for the march will include creative workshop to make posters, banners and visible markers such as pompoms and painted rocks for the march.

Starting on November 1 the creative workshops will also help participants to produce posters, banners and candle holders for the final day vigil on December 10 where we will ask the public across Dundee to light candles/shine torches to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those affected by VAW. On the same day prominent city buildings including the V&A, Police Scotland’s office in Bell Street, St Mary’s Tower at the City Churches and others will be lit up to mark the event.

A dance event, also on the final day, will showcase the energy and excitement of campaigning with participation from city secondary schools.

A social media campaign encouraging participation is set to launch this week under the banner “What will you do?”.

Full details of this year’s programme and how to get involved can be found at https://www.dvawp.co.uk/news/16-days-activism-2021